Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dawson County staff proposes $100 out-of-county fee for recreation programs to prioritize residents
Summary
Recreation director Matt Payne presented a recommendation to raise out-of-county fees to $100 for all programs and rentals to prioritize Dawson County residents and reduce resource strain; staff said change would take effect after fall football registration.
Park and Recreation Director Matt Payne told the board the recreation board unanimously recommended raising the out-of-county fee to $100 for any program or facility rental as a way to prioritize Dawson County residents and reduce strain on department resources from non-resident participants.
Payne said the department currently charges an out-of-county fee (noted on the handout as $25) but that the recreation board recommends a flat $100 supplement for non-residents. He said the proposal is intended as a modest deterrent rather than an exclusion and would take effect after football registration is complete, beginning with fall registrations.
Commissioners asked how the fee compares to neighboring Forsyth County and whether contracted programs (for example soccer run by a third party) would be affected; staff replied contracted programs are handled separately under their contracts. Several commissioners and a parent present expressed sympathy for prioritizing residents and concern about impacts on families who travel short distances across county lines.
Payne and commissioners noted football already requires Dawson County residency, so football would be unaffected; staff said the policy change would be implemented in time for fall seasons if approved. The item was presented for consideration and will move to the consent or voting agenda as appropriate.
